The Brawler meets Miss Perfect

~ Graduation ~

"Elena Arrington!"

Elena's name had been called during the graduation ceremony, with loud, synchronized claps complementing the sound of her name being called. Elena, in her graduation gown, walked up to the stage in her school's gym, which was garnered to look fancy for the huge ceremony. She received her graduation diploma from the school's Principal, Mrs. Frances Harrelson. She was a sweet person, and had only become Principal during the year Elena and Garrett reached Grade 12. Elena had worked on many school activities and fundraisers as part of Clearview's Student council, which was even getting recognition throughout the city, along with Garrett. Mrs. Harrelson gently placed the diploma in Elena's palm, smiling as she did. Elena returned the smile. Following her name, it was a little time later that Turk had his name called, Garrett being called soon after Turk. Sometime later, Dylan and Lora were called, but it took some time before Carson and Gabrielle were called. Once everyone in the graduating classes were called, Mrs. Harrelson went up to the podium, her high heels clicking as she did.

"Congratulations to every graduating student in this room! I had only started working here as a Principal at the beginning of September, and I have to say, I was impressed with every student in this room. You were all great role models to the underclassmen, and took part in many school activities! I wish you all a great time after High school, and hope for the success of everyone here!"

Everyone clapped. Garrett and Elena smiled to each other, glancing over as they saw their other friends waving back.

"After what happens next, we will have an awards ceremony for outstanding students. Now, we have a graduation speech from our Grade 12 valedictorian, Garrett Clint."

Elena gaped in awe, looking at an embarrassed Garrett while everyone else clapped. He had not said anything about presenting a speech as valedictorian, which came to the surprise of their whole friend group. 

"You really got this??" Elena whispered to Garrett as he began to leave the aisle.

"Y-Yes." He stood and quickly shifted out to the walkway leading to the stage.

"Well, you've always been a great writer." Elena spoke to herself smiling, looking at Garrett who was on his way to standing at the podium.

A moment of silence occurred before Garrett began to speak.

"Hello everyone. We've completed our high school years, and here we are graduating. We did it guys!"

Everyone, teachers and students alike, clapped loudly, with Carson whistling. Gabrielle pulled him back down into his seat before he could whistle any longer.

"Back when I first started going here, I am going to be completely honest, I did not put much effort into school. How I became valedictorian is beside the point. But! When I got to eleventh grade, I had a life changing experience, and it made me realize that not just education, but experiences with people really do matter. Everyone in this room, you've all grown up with friends here, and you've all gotten to this point. Well ... I just want to say to all of you that even after we leave this room, don't take time for granted. We've created so many great experiences, and I am sure many of you will still be friends after we graduate. Let's leave great things for the rest of the school, and create more wonderful experiences! All us included, we've gone through hardships, struggles, but we've also gone through fun times with friends and other satisfying experiences, like getting good grades. We all know about that one English exam."

Everyone in the crowd laughed. One of my crappier jokes, but oh well.

"All those things have taken time. Succeeding, overcoming difficulties, all of it took time. So, in the time that follows our past experiences, let us make sure, as seniors leaving this high school, to have rewarding experiences and really treasure people who are close to us. I am glad I can be here to say this, because I truly think its important. Thank you, teachers, for an amazing learning experience here at Clearview, and thank you guys and girls for the greatest graduating year ever!"

The crowd cheered loudly, with more people whistling, Carson included. Elena's smile was so wide, she could barely contain herself. Turk smiled as he stood up clapped, along with Lora and Dylan were in another row in the gym. Garrett took on the 'inspiration speech' approach, and it worked. Garrett took his cue cards, bowed, and walked back to his seat. This is the last time I speak in the gym.

"Great speech man!" Turk gave Garrett a slap on the back, but was instantly pulled back by Lora.

"Thanks, Turkey Leg." Garrett said letting out a chuckle, holding his valedictorian plaque close to avoid it being knocked out of his grasp.

"I loved it! It was really interesting." Gabrielle said kindly, fixing her glasses as she looked up at Garrett, who was a full foot taller than her. Dylan was no better in terms of height.

"Apparently, you left this to the last minute." Elena shot Garrett a brief glare, immediately dissipating when she pulled him into a hug. The group smiled, looking at each other as they chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Garrett said as he looked at the group, gently pulling out of the hug, as did Elena.

"Nah ... I'm just remembering some stuff." Turk said wistfully, still smiling.

"We remember being punks who had nothing to do but doing stupid things ..." Carson also said in a similar tone.

"We're just happy you're happy now, and we've all come this far. You really spoke on behalf of us all, so it's our natural response to reminisce." Dylan spoke softly, smiling as he did.

Elena smiled as she looked to the group and then Garrett.

"I'm happy you've made it here." Elena said as she gave a wide smile to Garrett.

"We're all in this together guys, no matter what happens!" Lora and Gabrielle said in unison as they forced the group into a huddle everyone putting their hands in. Garrett was confused, but he also cheered as they all raised their hands.

"Did you guys rehearse all that?" Garrett asked with slight curiosity.

"No." everyone said in unison.

It was not long before the group burst into laughter.

"Say, we have to commemorate this day!" Carson said excitedly.

"Gabrielle's been friends with us for a full year!" Turk said also smiling. Gabrielle shied away and hid behind the best human shield, Dylan. He chuckled at the action.

"We're obligated to take a photo then!" Elena chuckled as they stood, all in agreement at the notion.

Suddenly, the voices of Drayson, William and Patricia Arrington, The Sanders' family, the Parker parents, the Briggs' family, and the Sandfords' showed up in front of the kids. Over the last year and half or so, all the parents had become acquainted with each other. 

"Uncle Dray?"

"Yo!" Drayson replied with a smile.

"We will take the photo!" Patricia called out, having William stand beside her.

"Move around guys!" Carson's younger brother called out as he tried to push all the teenagers into an organized formation.

"Okay ... Dylan shift in a little more!" Dylan's mother said as she motioned her hand. Dylan did just that.

"Hmm ... Gabrielle move in more!" Gabrielle's father said as well, which she did reluctantly.

"Turk, stop slouching." Turk's older sister said as she scoffed at him, making him frown slightly. He immediately smiled for the photo again once he saw his sister's death glare.

"All right ... say cheese!"

The group gave each other a quick glance, all smiling as the photo was taken.

 ~ End ~